I had a 2012 RTS SE5 and rode it for 6,075 miles over a 20 month period. These bikes have have heat "issues", just not as bad as the 2013 RTS models.
I know many are saying this MY doesn't have heat issues, but I would disagree. The easiest way for you to make up your mind is to ride the bike 10-20 miles (it doesn't have to be above 90 degrees, an 80 degree day is more than enough). After you have ridden a good distance, stop and pop up your seat; feel the gas cap/filler neck. It will be hot. You can measure it with an IR gun or temp gauge, but your hands will tell you it is hot. I would say a hot gas tank is not a good thing. If you do a google on what temp gas boils, you will find it boils at a temp far below water (212 degrees F). Depending on the octane level (higher octane boils at a lower temp):
. Once you remove the bodywork, you will see the routing of the exhaust pipes. One pipe runs parallel to the gas tank - but it is only an inch or so away. You can imagine the air flow coming through the body blowing off the heat from the pipes against sensitive components. Its no wonder the gas/gastank gets so hot.
There are lots of ways to try and address the heat; more/larger holes in the under body, change out the air intake to a simpler setup to open up the air flow, wrap the exhaust pipe, or ceramic coat the exhaust pipes. Some riders did multiple combinations of the above. I took a different approach, one that seeks to keep the heat in the exhaust pipes. I got some Quadrafire Ceramic Insulation Blanket (
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251650176016?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT) rated to 2,400 degrees F. It is nice and thick (1"). I cut 10" wide strips and used SS exhaust wrap stays to hold it around the exhaust pipes - you have to remove the body work on the sides. The nice thing is that it is far easier to do than using the 1" or 2" wide exhaust wrap and wrapping the exhaust pipe. This stuff really holds the heat in. My gas cap didn't get hot anymore. But, the best side affect was the MPG improvement. By keeping the heat in the exhaust pipe, it keeps the exhaust velocity up, so the engine is more efficient. My MPG got close to 36 mpg if I kept it between 60 and 65. I am sure if I stayed closer to 55 and 60, I could get 36 easy. At 70-75, it dropped to 31.25. I have switched to a ST model and will be covering the exhaust pipes like I did to the RTS. Look for my post in a few weeks.
Post back what you do and the results. Good luck.
Jerry
[h=1][/h]